Into History: 1914-2014

The First World War defined the twentieth century. In its wake, millions died. In its wake, millions lay wounded or displaced. World War I unleashed violence and tragedy on a scale never before seen during the course of human history.

100 years on, the debate on the origins of the Great War remains unresolved. The July Crisis of 1914, as the thirty eight days between the assassinations at Sarajevo and the British declaration of war on Germany are known, was not inevitable. In the summer of 1914 diplomacy failed. As a result, Europe fell into sombre apocalypse.

Together, we followed the march to war, day by day, exactly 100 years after the events. My aim was to share with you one document every day that traces the development of the July Crisis as it happened. Together, we began to understand how peace was shattered, and how Europe went to war in the summer of 1914.

The journey has been a memorable one. I must thank all who have taken to time to read theses posts and comment, keeping the discussion on the origins of World War I alive and well.

Now this blog stands as an archive. You can use the categories and search bar to go through the documents of the summer of 1914.